Laura Whitmore reveals family Christmas tradition as she judges new competition

Brits are going bigger and better than ever with their Christmas decorations this year, much to Laura Whitmore's joy. A recent poll has shown British households are supersizing their Christmas decorations with nearly half putting up two or more trees, with the living room, dining room and hallway the most popular rooms to decorate.

Many households also spending more time and money on deciding how to decorate and organise them, with over doing so more than they did 10 years ago because it makes them happier. Others added that they want to spend time making a welcoming space for loved ones.

What's more, a third think it makes their home look better in snaps. The luxury artificial Christmas tree and décor brand Balsam Hill conducted the research to launch its recent competition to find the UK's most talented, self-taught tree-decorator.

The winner will design a festive wonderland for presenter and Christmas enthusiast, Laura Whitmore. The Irish media personality said, "Christmas has always been my favourite time of year, so I'm incredibly excited to be judging this competition and to help celebrate all the amazing talent out there."

She added: "I always collect a new bauble from every place I visit, so when I decorate, I'm reliving all those beautiful memories.

"That's what I love most about Christmas decorating- it's so personal. I can't wait to see how people across the UK express their stories and style through their trees."

The study found as many as 18% will have their tree up before the end of November. They'll spend an average of four hours ornamenting the trees along with other rooms in the house, with Londoners taking a marathon 5.27 hours.

Meanwhile, men were more likely to spend the most time and money decorating, compared to women, spending 4.35hrs vs 3.68hrs and £79.28 vs £49.69 respectively.

This year, less than one in five of Gen-Z will be using an angel as the topper this year, with the star deemed more popular for 47%. However, tinsel is making a comeback with 27% of Gen-Z, 31% of Millennials and 44% of Boomers planning on using it on their tree this year.

For more than a third, decorating their home for Christmas is one of the most important parts of the season, and often involves putting Christmas music on, sipping festive drinks and wearing a Christmas jumper to set the mood.

Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, says, "We've seen a clear shift in Christmas decorating to become a significant creative outlet and an opportunity to stand out. It's no longer just a hobby; for many, it's a creative performance where their tree is the star.

"Our research shows that Christmas is now a showcase, and many are honing their craft so much that they're an amateur interiors expert for friends and family.

"Our 'Top of The Tree' competition is here to give these talented individuals the spotlight they deserve. We want to celebrate the passion and skill that goes into creating a memorable Christmas."

1. Put Christmas music on

2. Sing along to the music

3. Take photos or videos

4. Hang up sentimental ornaments

5. Light a Christmas-scented candle

6. Wrap a few presents to place under the tree

7. Watch a Christmas movie in the background

8. Sip on a festive drink

9. Wear a Christmas jumper

10. Share the moment with family or friends via video call

11. Sharing pictures of my decorating on social media

12. Bake Christmas cookies

13. Put on a Santa hat or reindeer antlers

14. Dance around the tree

15. Get pets involved

16. Play a festive game or quiz

17. Make a DIY ornament

18. Listening to a podcast

19. Lifestream my decorating on social media

20. Read a Christmas story aloud